Medusa.
The Gorgon whose image endures
Medusa: Greek Myth, the Gorgon and the Story of Perseusis the mortal Gorgon killed by , whose severed head retains its petrifying power. Ancient accounts differ profoundly over her origins and the circumstances behind the image familiar today.
More than a myth.
Was Medusa born a Gorgon?
names with Stheno and Euryale among the Gorgons, children of Phorcys and Ceto. She alone is mortal. His account places her with in a meadow and describes and Chrysaor emerging when cuts off her head. It does not tell the later story of a woman being transformed by .
What changes in Ovid’s version
gives an earlier beauty and describes , the Roman Poseidon, violating her in ’s temple. Minerva transforms her hair into snakes. This Roman account is an important ancient version, but it should be identified as Ovid’s, not silently attached to as the one original Greek biography. It also requires care about the difference between violence suffered and blame assigned.
Perseus and the power of the head
The describes looking at a reflected image rather than meeting ’s gaze directly. Her head continues to turn people to stone after death and eventually belongs to ’s equipment. The Gorgon face also has a protective place in ancient imagery. A frightening figure can ward off danger as well as represent it.
Questions about Medusa
Who killed Medusa?
, using divine equipment and guidance to avoid her direct gaze. Her sisters survive the attack and pursue him.
Is Medusa’s curse in every ancient source?
No. tells the transformation of her hair after the temple violation; presents her as one of the Gorgons without that backstory.
It’s a family affair.
Medusa
The Gorgons & the petrifying gazeThe stories of Medusa.
Ancient voices.
Enduring stories.
Myths have many tellings. These are the ancient works behind this profile, linked to freely available English translations.
Theogony
Lines 270–286
Library
Book 2.4.2–3
Metamorphoses
Book 4.790–803
The Gorgons
The Gorgon head as a protective image